Blakely, Ga. - December 20, 2012 - Lisa Collins, who recently qualified to run in the January 8, 2013 special election in Georgia Senate District 11, has decided to withdraw her name from the ballot.

"Senator Bulloch's announcement provided a very short window in which to qualify for office. I was excited to run and honored at the prayers and support that I received in the hours leading up to qualifying. I still believe that I have a lot to offer this district and this state. But after qualifying, it became clear to me that the time is just not right for me. I will keep fighting for southwest Georgia, and I look forward to continuing my work here at home," said Collins.

State Sen. Jason Carter expressed respect for Collins's decision.

"While I'm sad that Lisa is unable to go forward with her campaign, I am confident that this is not the last we'll hear of Lisa Collins. I have been honored to get to know her, and I am glad that she will continue her remarkable work creating jobs in Early County. The current leadership of this state has neglected development, agriculture, and education in rural Georgia for a decade. I hope that our state leaders will rely on Lisa, and others like her, with real experience in these areas," said Carter.

Collins asked the Secretary of State's office to withdraw her name from the ballot.